FORMER Prime Minister Gordon Brown has led tributes to the man described as the key driver of the redevelopment of Rosyth as a port.

Bill Taylor MBE was, for more than four decades, at the heart of the development of Fife’s economy, first heading economic planning under Fife Regional Council and then Fife Council.

He died at Adamson Hospital, Fife, and his funeral was held last Friday at Dairsie cemetery.

Bill was instrumental in the redevelopment of Fife post-war after 20,000 mining jobs were lost, leaving only opencast mining by the turn of the century.

At the same time, the biggest employer, Rosyth Dockyard and Naval Base, fell from 15,000 to 2,000 workers – requiring thousands of new jobs to be created.

His department took the lead in land reclamation, such as the prize-winning Lochore Meadows project, and he championed the attraction of new jobs in electronics, IT and in financial services – which replaced many of the jobs lost in traditional industries.

Along with his work in redeveloping Rosyth as a port, he was awarded the MBE for the services he gave Fife and Scotland.

Gordon Brown said: “No-one I met during all the time I was an MP knew more about the Fife economy than Bill Taylor and no-one was more willing to give of his time voluntarily to help others in the pursuit of the best outcomes for Fife.

“I marvelled at his local knowledge, which he always put to good use, not only at work but in retirement as well, right up until this year.

“He was a constant source of wise advice over 40 years, during which many councillors, MPs, and others as well as me relied on his good judgment. Fife owes Bill and his family a huge debt of gratitude.”

Having qualified in geography from Edinburgh University, Bill had a spell as an economic planner in Dundee and Tayside before coming to Fife, working initially under another Taylor, Maurice Taylor.

Having become head of economic development and planning under the regional council in 1979, Bill retained his responsibilities for economic development under the new title of corporate manager when the regional council became Fife Council.

Although he retired in 2001, he remained active in many areas of Fife life and was recognised with a special presentation for services to Fife made by Provost Jim Leishman in 2013.

At the ceremony, Mr Leishman described Bill as the key planner behind all successful Fife redevelopment projects of the last generation.

Bill was also a member of the board of Fife College for many years as it grew to become one of the biggest colleges in the country.

He served as a valued member of the Fife Historic Buildings Trust and also on the Fife Coastal and Countryside Trust, which has been prominent in improving the environment of the country.

Fife MSP and former leader of Fife Council Alex Rowley said: “Bill Taylor was a great servant to all the communities of Fife. He worked behind the scenes without seeking any publicity for himself, making a huge difference to the job prospects of thousands through the decisions he made and recommended, and the work he did.

“This was recognised by the special honour Fife bestowed on him in 2013.”

Bill is survived by his wife Margaret, his son Gordon, his daughter Sarah and their families.